In a first, Indian paramilitary force deploys women commandos for operations against Maoists

CRPF has inducted a company of women commandos, who are deployed in anti-Naxal operations.

Women commandos of the CRPF have been deployed for operations against Maoists in Jharkhand forests. [Representational Image] In Picture: India's Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel take part in the passing out parade in Humhama, on the outskirts of Srinagar, August 28, 2014.Reuters

"On October 17, a company of woman commandos was for the first time inducted into CRPF to counter Naxal insurgency in Jharkhand. They have started carrying out anti-Naxal operations," said Sanjay A Lathkar, CRPF IG of Jharkhand, PTI reported.

The women commandos, around 235 of them, are involved in operations against Maoists in the forests, where the Maoists have their hideouts. These women commandos belong to 232 battalion's Delta company and are undertaking operation under supervision of 133 battalion of the CRPF.

Stressing the importance of women commandos, Neeraj Pandey, CRPF Commandant of the 133 Battalion underlined their braveness and said they were second to none.

The commandos received extensive training which is on par with what the men have received. He further added that inducting women commandos has increased the operational strength of paramilitary force in fighting the Maoist menace.

The requirement of the women commandos arose due to the prevalence of women Maoists. "It was felt that to tackle women Naxals, there should be women commandos who must be equally capable of neutralising Naxals," said GVH Giri Prasad, DIG, CRPF to PTI.

The women commandos can undertake all types of anti-Maoist operations, and are experts in their field. They are provided with modern weapons and make use of computer software to help them execute missions in a perfect way.

"We wanted to serve our country and that is why we are here. We have resolved to eradicate the Naxal menace completely as it is not only harmful and fatal for people, but is also affecting the progress of the country," said Shakti Tirkey, Delta company commander, heading the woman commandos.